Best known for modifying Land Rover and Jaguar models, German tuner Arden has decided to try its hand at MINI. Arden isn’t exactly unfamiliar with the brand, however, as the new model, the 40th Anniversary MINI Equipe, was built to celebrate 40 years since an Arden-prepped MINI won the British Touring Car Championship.
Outside the car is mostly untouched with just a few updates in the form of stainless steel and chrome grilles. Inside the MINI gets a serious makeover with a two-tone leather package, Alcantara on the dash and stainless steel Arden pedals.
Not to neglect the performance aspect, Arden reprogrammed the ECU, added a larger and more efficient intercooler and threw on an exhaust, bumping output from 172hp and 177 ft-lbs of torque to 212hp and 214 ft-lbs of torque.
To help out int he handling department the modified MINI Cooper S gets a reworked suspension setup that sits 30 mm (roughly 1-inch) lower than stock. Also included are a set of light weight 18×8-inch wheels, which weight just 14.3-lbs each. And inside those front wheels is an impressive braking setup with massive six-piston calipers.
Arden will make just 40 versions of the MINI Equipe.
GALLERY: Arden MINI Equipe
Official release after the jump:
Arden goes MINI. As a tribute to the legendary victory of the Equipe Arden 1969 Arden created the 40th Anniversary MINI Equipe 2009 as a limited release for the lovers of high quality materials, technical innovations and racing tradition. 40 pieces signed by Jochen Arden will be manufactured in artisanal tradition of automobile passion. Each Arden MINI Equipe is unique, each piece a collector’s item.
The dash board, seats and doors completely enclosed in leather combine sportiness and luxury. The new Arden 2-Tone Design extends over each interior element. Besides hand-stitched and newly revised casings the MINI offers also new approaches in terms of performance and exterior design. Handmade stainless steel and chrome grille adorn the front and rear of the smallest Arden. Extremely light 6.9 kilograms Arden Gram-light aluminum wheels in 8Jx18Zoll provide the necessary grip and reduce the vehicle weight by a few kilograms. The engine also received a manual work-over. The revised engine electronics, a new intercooler and a complete stainless steel exhaust system with racing catalytic converters give the MINI a performance gain of approximately 50nm and 40PS. A nice side effect is the robust sound which clearly says, I am more than a standard MINI.
To keep the performance on track, there is a special Arden sport suspension which lowers the vehicle’s height and focus for about 30mm. High-performance 6-piston brakes at the front axle, guarantee for the necessary delay and remain stable and dosable even after a long, hard and resistant strain.
With the Arden Mini Equipe we offer a complete vehicle in the premium segment with luxury genes that in terms of exclusivity, comfort and sportiness leaves no wishes unfulfilled.
